Gardaí investigating laser attack on search and rescue helicopter in Cork

'Lasers pose no physical risk to an aircraft or to its engines but incidents like this, where you can have a pinpoint of green light bouncing around the cockpit can distract the crew, and that by extension puts an aircraft at risk', source said

Details emerged on Thursday of a laser attack on a S92 Coast Guard search and rescue helicopter as it was engaged in a training flight over the Ballineen and Bandon area within the last two weeks. File picture: Andy Gibson.

A laser attack on a Coast Guard search and rescue helicopter over West Cork put the aircraft at risk, experienced flight crew have said.

Lasers directed at an aircraft in flight can bounce around the cockpit, distracting, disorientating, or even temporarily blinding pilots on the flight deck, which could be disastrous, a source said.